Benefits of Working Out with a Partner

05/11/2018

Working out with a partner is a great way of combining exercise and a catch up, but do we actually get the job done or does the chatting take over? A lot may depend on the chosen activity and the chosen friend, but there are definitely some added benefits of working out with a partner rather than going it alone.

Over the years statistics have shown that people who work out with a partner have a higher probability of reaching their fitness goals. We delved a little deeper into the reasons behind this.

Commitment

It’s been a long tough day at work and you are already thinking about skipping your workout and opting for a cup of tea on the couch instead. Then you remember you have recently set a workout schedule with your friend, you have a commitment to her to turn up. Our brains seem to be hard wired in a way that letting down a friend is much more unacceptable than letting yourself down. It’s harder to quit! Setting a coordinated schedule to start with can be a challenge in the very full lives we lead. Spend the time making sure it suits both of you, if childcare is an issue on some days plan a home workout instead. The more effort you have made in scheduling and committing to exercise times, the more likely you are to turn up and get it done.

Motivation to Work Harder

A training partner will typically push you to work harder. Achieving any kind of goals in life takes effort, persistence and focus. Obtaining your personal sport or fitness goals is no different. A workout partner should be someone who can push you to work out a little harder and a little further than you would have pushed yourself. Training with a partner who you think is a little better than you has also proven to be beneficial at increasing your own exercise intensity and duration. But remember, its important for you to return the favour and spend some time motivating your partner to push closer to their own goals to.

Partner Exercises

Whether this involves team exercises, ball throws, or body weight exercises, having that second person can be invaluable when you want to mix up your routine and add some intensity. Partner exercises can involve a lot of trust between you and your buddy, especially when it involves supporting weight. Ensure you are both up to the job, both physically and mentally, before embarking on exercises as a duo.

Trying New Activities

When you have been performing the same exercises for a long time your routine can become very stale. It is also easy to fall into a routine that doesn’t continually test your body in different ways. Your workout partner may suggest some different training routines to try, or even a whole new activity that you haven’t done before. For example you may be a gym class junkie but your friend may suggest you give mountain biking a try. I loved running, but found that I had been pounding pavements for a long time. A friend introduced me to trail running and obstacle races. Wow…it challenged my body in so many new ways and was incredibly fun too. Trying something completely new will work and develop muscles and your cardiovascular system in a new way. Changing up your activity is also beneficial for brain stimulation too.

Celebrate The Wins

After months of persisting you finally hit that PB, but it can be an anti climax when there is nobody there to share your success. Sure you can go home and share the news, but does your non running husband really understand the sheer joy of achieving your 10k time goal? There is nothing quite like sharing success in the moment with someone that really understands and has been with you on the journey. Only your workout partner witnessing your unassisted pull-up really gets it! It’s important to acknowledge your hard work and celebrate the wins, these snippets of celebrations can contribute to your motivation to keep pushing harder and setting new goals to progress even further.

So there are numerous benefits of working our with a partner, but a big consideration is also choosing the right partner! It is a good idea to find a training partner who is reasonably close to your current fitness levels in terms of fitness levels, goals, endurance and strength. Your workout partner also needs to be someone you actually like and respect. Someone whom you can relate to, share your accomplishments and failures and help push each other to be your best. So find your perfect workout partner and take your training to a whole new level.

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